I spent the weekend interviewing for “Mama’s helpers” at the teahouse. I did the initial discussion of the job when people walked in off the streets to inquire more about the job posting outside of my teahouse door.

I stressed two important qualities that one must have to succeed in this positions (the two qualities that led to the firing of the other employees).

#1. You must like/respect/work with everyone . That means people who indigenous, mestizo, gay, black, non-believers in God.

#2. Customer service — American style — is a must. Hence, you must smile, give off a positive energy and ask if clients need something.

Some of the applicants were like “Duh! I know this.” But in reality, people don’t. I assumed everyone living in 2016/2017 would understand that respect and hospitality were the cornerstones of any business. But having to fire two young male employees, after giving them direct warnings, was an eye-opener in creating my brand/philosophy.

I have not written a mission statement for my new teahouse. This week I will clarify my vision for my English center. But I do know, I want to have a space that all are welcomed and treated with respect. Something that used to be the idea of the “American Dream.” My country, the USA, is having great turmoil right now; and at the center of this chaos is fear of others and lack of respect of others.

I am not sure how my country’s situation will turn out, but I know there are millions of Americans who are speaking out against this lack of Americanism. Many who are saying, “Hey, that’s not what I stand for and that’s not what I want my country to stand for.”

What will my tea franchise and English center stand for? At the minimum they will be places to feel a sense of community and a place to grow as global citizens who contributes to our world’s advancement.

The electricity in my teahouse was cut off this morning. My neighbor/shoe store owner pointed to the cut wires when I was confused about the light situation.

My lovely neighbor/former employee — who told me “They’re just cupcakes!”, “And this is just your job” was my response– didn’t keep his word and give the bill to his mother. You see, I got confused on which bill I was supposed share with the other people in the building and which bill I needed to pay on my own. I accept that this was my fault. But I also know that my neighbor/former employee took the bill and said he would give it to his mother and she would talk with me. But when confronted about this, he shrugged. It wasn’t his problem nor his concern. And that, my friend, sums up the biggest truth in starting a biz abroad — misunderstanding and unfamiliarity with the social norms (like electricity wires being cut after two months and without a warning) is just a part of developing a business and growing as an entrepreneur. What I have learned is learning is the process of growing. I saw some rich/CEO person said it’s not a mistake if you are learning.

As my other neighbor told me as I was sitting kinda in the dark in my teahouse, “2 years!” I tell him that I am here for two yeas, so don’t worry if there is no one in the teahouse. And in two years, I will learn how to pay bills in-person and keep the electricity flowing.#knowbetterdobetter#thehustle

This is why I’m in the “soft open” phase of my tea house. Soft open as I have been translating to Spanish speaker is the “practice time.” They don’t necessarily get it because there are few businesses that do a “soft open” in Ecuador; you open and try to make as much money as possible. Yet the learning curve is so important in establishing something that is long-lasting. I’m a strong believer in creating a strong foundation on which you can modify. But without the initial blue print — girl, we’re talking about a hot mess situation.

So what have I learned in my one-month of a “soft open.”

A franchise is possible. People like my ideas, my products, my vibe.

People can only enhance my vision but not diminish it.

Be professional even when others are not.

Stay focused. Stay Hungry. Stay goal-centered.

Speak directly and assertively in order to get things done in the manner you want. Don’t accept poor quality products because I’m creating a brand.

Give solutions to problems. This is what a leader must do to have a strong team.

Micromanaging is horrific.

Yoga & Meditation are so necessary.

I’m worth 4 hours of writing on Tuesday. The Next Great American Novel. I can have my indie publishing company.

I can stand alone, but I prefer to sip with others.

1 month down– 23 months to go till…

** as my new venture begins so does my country’s venture*** #wethepeople

As I prepare for the start of my second week of teaching at Yachay Tech University, I thought I should reflect on my first week. I’m somewhat of a pro of jumping into a ESL/EFL situation, having to go with the flow and adapt to preset conditions, and being flexible with my teaching style. Yachay was no different.

However there are a few things that stand out for sure.

Classroom in the Old Sugar Mill

View from inside a classroom at the Old Sugar Mill.

View from classroom in Old Sugar Mill.

#1. Students who want to learn and don’t hate English.

Yes, my friends, this is a rarity in this ESL/EFL game. So many of my students have a dislike of English because they have been forced to study this language and the cultures (mainly American culture) that accompany the language. There is a resent that some of my past students held towards English and I understand it. I don’t try to change their view point; I just try to show how learning English will benefit them and improve their lives from watching movies to traveling internationally to really understanding rap songs (but on the real, sometimes I don’t know what rappers are talking about and don’t really want to know. just make sure that beat is tight.). But nearly all of my Yachay students are motivated and ready to work hard. Of course, they test me and my English knowledge, but that’s what young folks do.

Old Library classrooms

#2. Paperless university

Didn’t know this type of college existed until my arrival to Yachay. What can I say, but very interesting concept. As an old school writer who prefers to have pen in hand and notebook on table, not writing down things nor collecting papers from students is challenging; it’s hard to adapt and progress with technology. I’m forcing myself to use my iPad for lesson planning, taking attendance, making notes, and sharing information with my teaching team. (Shout out to my bro who bought my iPad as a birthday gift. Thanks.)

Classroom in Old Library

#3. No homework

Say what?! Yes, you read that right–no homework. Again, a new concept that I didn’t know was possible in a writing class. However, from my university job in Heredia, Costa Rica, I am familiar with ESL/EFL classes with no homework. (My students complained to my boss that I–gringa loca– had the nerve to give them homework. So my boss called me into her office and asked when did I expect my night class students to do homework. Therefore, homework became optional in that class. And “optional” has been a key word in assigning homework in some of my classes.)

So my Yachay students are supposed to complete essays, a research paper, a semester project and presentations during class time (90 mins/day, 5days/week). Ojala…

View from Old Library classroom

View from Old Library classroom

#4. Grading “paperless” essays

Today my students are uploading their essay drafts to Desire2Learn computer system (like BlackBoard). I’m trying to figure out how to make grammar edits without using my standard editor’s marks. This shall be interesting. But again, I must adapt to modern technology and be flexible.

The 24/7 library

#5. Where’s your computer, teacher?

So I bought the Apple adapter for a projector (what I used last time I taught at UTPL in Loja, Ecuador); however, because I’m teaching at a high tech uni, we are using HDTV. There has been a delay in my work computer and obtaining a proper HDTV adapter, so I have been writing on the white board. And yes, some of my lovely students have complained about me not being hip to the tech savvy ways of Yachay. lol